Intelligent automated motorized window treatment with increased energy efficiency and method of using same

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a self-contained, self-regulating intelligent automated window treatment with increased energy efficiency consisting of: (1) a headrail; (2) a tube located within the headrail; (3) a motor located within the headrail, preferably within the tube; (4) window treatment fabric with one terminus of the fabric affixed to the tube within the headrail, and with the fabric extending from the tube and out from the headrail; (5) a smart bottom rail attached to the terminus of the shade fabric furthest from the tube with the bottom rail containing, at least one sensor, at least one control button, and a battery that provides power to the sensor(s) and control button(s), and wherein the smart bottom rail communicates with the motor in the headrail. Types of sensors used may include environmental sensors, motion sensors, and inertial sensors.In another embodiment of the invention, the battery in the bottom rail may be a rechargeable battery. In a further embodiment, the bottom rail may contain at least one solar panel, which may be used to provide charge to the rechargeable battery.In another embodiment of the invention, the headrail further consists of a solar panel and a rechargeable battery that may be charged by the solar panel. In a further embodiment solar power stored in the rechargeable battery of the bottom rail may be transferred to the rechargeable battery-powered motor of the headrail.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part application of applicationSer. No. 15/918,066, filed Mar. 12, 2018, and entitled “SOLAR-POWEREDINTELLIGENT AUTOMATED MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENT WITH INCREASED ENERGYEFFICIENCY AND METHOD OF USING SAME”, which is related to U.S.Provisional Application No. 62/601,153, filed Mar. 14, 2017 entitledAUTOMATED MOTORIZED WINDOW TREATMENT WITH INCREASED ENERGY EFFICIENCYAND METHOD OF MAKING SAME. Priority is claimed under application Ser.No. 15/918,066, which claimed priority under the provisional applicationrecited above, and both of these applications are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to a self-contained,self-regulating intelligent automated window treatment with increasedenergy efficiency.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

There is no admission that the background art disclosed in this sectionlegally constitutes prior art.

There have been many different types and kinds of motorized windowtreatments. For example, reference may be made to U.S. Pat. Nos.5,413,161; 5,532,560; 8,299,734 B2; 8,525,462 B2; 8,659,246 B2;8,851,141 B2; 8,950,461 B2; and 9,045,939 B2.

The use of integrated technological systems in buildings (both home andcommercial) is one of the most significant new trends in digitalinnovation. Transitioning to a smarter building can improve the buildingoccupant's control over every aspect of how the building operates, andincrease the safety, energy efficiency, and accessibility of it as well.Smart building systems and devices often operate together, sharingconsumer usage data among themselves and automating actions based on thebuilding occupants' preferences.

The U.S. Department of Energy has stated that “When properly installed,window shades can be one of the simplest and most effective windowtreatments for saving energy” and advises that “You should lower shadeson sunlit windows in the summer. Shades on the south side of a houseshould be raised in the winter during the day, then lowered during thenight.”https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/energy-efficient-window-treatments.

Energy efficiency can only be achieved if the window shades are raisedor lowered to the optimal positions as environmental conditions change.This is a challenge with manual treatments and non-automated motorizedtreatments, it is unlikely to be done when the building occupant isabsent, and it is an inconvenience to the building occupant toconstantly adjust the window treatments when present. Thus theseadjustments are often not done when needed. Furthermore, the majority ofcommercially available automated motorized window treatments are idealfor large office buildings, where environmental sensors can be mountedon the roof of the building. Although this allows for accurateenvironmental readings, this placement of sensors is less than ideal formany small commercial and residential buildings.

Thus there currently is a need for an automated motorized windowtreatment with increased energy efficiency that (1) allows for maximumlight harvesting for the health of the building occupants; (2) allowsfor heat control by incremental movement of the shade with respect tosun position; (3) requires minimal effort from the building occupant;(4) is easy to install; and (5) is designed for use in small commercialand residential buildings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates in general to a self-contained,self-regulating intelligent automated window treatment with increasedenergy efficiency. In particular, in accordance with one embodiment, theinvention relates to a self-contained, self-regulating intelligentautomated window treatment with increased energy efficiency consistingof: (1) a headrail; (2) a tube located within the headrail; (3) a motorlocated within the headrail, preferably within the tube; (4) windowtreatment fabric with one terminus of the fabric affixed to the tubewithin the headrail, and with the fabric extending from the tube and outfrom the headrail; (5) a smart bottom rail attached to the terminus ofthe shade fabric furthest from the tube with the bottom rail containing,at least one sensor, at least one control button, and a battery thatprovides power to the sensor(s) and control button(s), and wherein thesmart bottom rail communicates with the motor in the headrail. Types ofsensors used may include environmental sensors, motion sensors, andinertial sensors. The environmental sensors may provide information thatmay be used to determine when the window treatment motor shouldautomatically raise and lower the fabric and bottom rail of the windowtreatment with minimal effort from the user. The automatic adjustment ofthe position of the fabric and bottom rail of the window treatment mayallow for a reduction of energy consumption by the user by decreasingthe need for artificial lighting, heating, and air conditioning. Themotion sensors may provide information regarding occupancy of the roomin which the window treatment is located. This information may be usedto automatically adjust the fabric and bottom rail of the windowtreatment according to user preferences. The inertial sensors mayprovide information regarding the movement of the fabric and bottom railof the window treatment. This information may be used to automaticallystop the movement of the fabric and bottom rail of the window treatmentif it comes into contact with an object within the path of movement ofthe fabric and bottom rail of the window treatment.

In another embodiment of the invention, the battery in the bottom railmay be a rechargeable battery. In a further embodiment, the bottom railmay contain at least one solar panel, which may be used to providecharge to the rechargeable battery.

In another embodiment of the invention, the headrail further consists ofa solar panel and a rechargeable battery that may be charged by thesolar panel. In a further embodiment solar power stored in therechargeable battery of the bottom rail may be transferred to therechargeable battery-powered motor of the headrail.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features of this invention and the manner of attaining them willbecome apparent, and the invention itself will be best understood byreference to the following description of certain embodiments of theinvention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a self-contained,self-regulating intelligent automated window treatment viewed from thewindow facing side of the window treatment with the window treatmentfabric and bottom rail adjusted to the lowest position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the self-contained, self-regulatingintelligent automated window treatment of FIG. 1 viewed from the windowfacing side of the window treatment with the window treatment fabric andbottom rail adjusted to the highest position.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the self-contained, self-regulatingintelligent automated window treatment of FIG. 1 viewed from thenon-window side of the window treatment with the window treatment fabricand bottom rail adjusted to the highest position and with the headrailremoved to show the parts contained within the headrail.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the self-contained, self-regulatingintelligent automated window treatment of FIG. 1 viewed from thenon-window side of the window treatment with the window treatment fabricand bottom rail adjusted to the lowest position and with the headrailremoved to show the parts contained within the headrail.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a self-contained,self-regulating intelligent automated window treatment viewed from thewindow facing side of the window treatment with the window treatmentfabric and bottom rail adjusted to the lowest position. The windowtreatment contains a wireless charging transmitter in the bottom railand a wireless charging receiver in the headrail.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the self-contained, self-regulatingintelligent automated window treatment of FIG. 5 viewed from the windowfacing side of the window treatment with the window treatment fabric andbottom rail adjusted to the highest position.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the self-contained, self-regulatingintelligent automated window treatment viewed from the non-window sideof the window treatment of FIG. 5 with the window treatment fabric andbottom rail adjusted to the highest position and with the headrailremoved to show the parts contained within the headrail.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the self-contained, self-regulatingintelligent automated window treatment of FIG. 5 viewed from thenon-window side of the window treatment with the window treatment fabricand bottom rail adjusted to the lowest position and with the headrailremoved to show the parts contained within the headrail.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a self-contained,self-regulating, intelligent automated window treatment viewed from thewindow facing side of the window treatment with the window treatmentfabric and bottom rail adjusted to the lowest position. The windowtreatment contains printed ink conductive lines printed on the shadefabric.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a self-contained,self-regulating, intelligent automated window treatment viewed from thewindow facing side of the window treatment with the window treatmentfabric and bottom rail adjusted to the lowest position. The windowtreatment contains conductive thread woven into the fabric of the shade.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a self-contained,self-regulating, intelligent automated window treatment, wherein theembodiment consists of a smart system unit that can be inserted into awindow treatment. The smart system unit is viewed from the window facingside of the unit.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a self-contained,self-regulating, intelligent automated window treatment, wherein theembodiment consists of a smart system unit that can be inserted into awindow treatment. The smart system unit is viewed from the non-windowfacing side of the unit.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a self-contained,self-regulating, intelligent automated window treatment, wherein theembodiment consists of a smart system unit that can be inserted into awindow treatment. The window facing side of the smart system unit andthe window facing side of a window treatment with an opening in thebottom rail to accommodate the smart system unit is shown.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a self-contained,self-regulating, intelligent automated window treatment, wherein theembodiment consists of a smart system unit that can be inserted into awindow treatment. The window facing side of the window treatment withthe smart system unit installed within the bottom rail is shown.

FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of aself-contained, self-regulating, intelligent automated window treatment,wherein the embodiment consists of a smart system unit that can beinserted into a window treatment, with a bottom rail and a smart systemunit to be included within the bottom rail.

FIG. 16 is another exploded perspective view of one embodiment of aself-contained, self-regulating, intelligent automated window treatment,wherein the embodiment consists of a smart system unit that can beinserted into a window treatment, with the bottom rail and the smartsystem unit to be included within the bottom rail.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a self-contained,self-regulating, intelligent automated window treatment, wherein theembodiment consists of a smart system unit that can be inserted into awindow treatment, with the non-window facing side of the assembledbottom rail containing a smart system unit.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a self-contained,self-regulating, intelligent automated window treatment, wherein theembodiment consists of a smart system unit that can be inserted into awindow treatment, with the window facing side of the assembled bottomrail containing a smart system unit.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a self-contained,self-regulating, intelligent automated window treatment, wherein theembodiment consists of a smart system unit that can be attached to awindow treatment, showing the window facing side of the smart systemunit.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a self-contained,self-regulating, intelligent automated window treatment, wherein theembodiment consists of a smart system unit that can be attached to awindow treatment, showing the non-window facing side of the smart systemunit.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a self-contained,self-regulating, intelligent automated window treatment, wherein theembodiment consists of a smart system unit that can be attached to awindow treatment, showing the window facing side of the smart systemunit and the window facing side of the window treatment.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a self-contained,self-regulating, intelligent automated window treatment, wherein theembodiment consists of a smart system unit that can be attached to awindow treatment, showing the window facing side of the window treatmentwith the smart system unit affixed to the bottom rail.

FIG. 23 is a simplified flowchart showing a visual representation of thesequence of steps and decisions to be performed by the self-contained,self-regulating, intelligent automated window treatment when determiningwhen the window treatment should automatically raise and lower to allowfor reduction of energy consumption using information from thetemperature environmental sensor.

FIG. 24 is a simplified flowchart showing a visual representation of thesequence of steps and decisions to be performed by one embodiment of theself-contained, self-regulating, intelligent automated window treatmentwhen wirelessly transferring solar power collected by the solar panel inthe bottom rail to the motor in the headrail.

FIG. 25 is a simplified flowchart showing the sequence of steps anddecisions to be performed by the self-contained, self-regulating,intelligent automated window treatment when determining whether to movethe window treatment fabric and bottom rail to a user set preferredposition in response to occupancy of the room detected by the motiondetector.

FIG. 26 is a simplified flowchart of the procedure that an embodiment ofthe self-contained, self-regulating intelligent automated motorizedwindow treatment with increased energy efficiency may follow afterreceiving input from an inertial sensor.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It will be readily understood that the components of the embodiments asgenerally described and illustrated in the drawings herein, could bearranged and designed in a wide variety of different configurations.Thus, the following more detailed description of the embodiments of thesystem, components and method of the present invention, as representedin the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, asclaimed, but is merely representative of the embodiments of theinvention.

Embodiments of the present invention provide a self-contained,self-regulating intelligent automated motorized window treatment withincreased energy efficiency, wherein the window treatment is suitablefor use in a small commercial or residential building.

In one embodiment of the invention a self-contained, self-regulatingintelligent automated motorized window treatment with increased energyefficiency is a window treatment consisting of: (1) a headrail; (2)window treatment fabric with one terminus of the fabric affixed to atube, and wherein the tube is located in the headrail; (3) a motorlocated in the headrail; (4) a smart bottom rail attached to the windowtreatment fabric at the fabric terminus opposite to the headrailterminus, and wherein the smart bottom rail communicates with the motorin the headrail; (5) at least one control button located on the smartbottom rail that may be used to raise or lower the position of thewindow treatment fabric and the bottom rail or to set a favoriteposition for the window treatment fabric and the bottom rail, andwherein the control button may be a physical button or an icon on atouch screen; (6) at least one sensor located on the smart bottom railthat may be selected from the group consisting of: environmental sensors(such as light sensors, temperature sensors, ultra violet light sensors,or humidity sensors); motion sensors (such as an occupancy sensor); andinertial sensors (such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, or magnetometers);and (7) a battery in the bottom rail to power the control buttons andsensors. The battery in the bottom rail may optionally be a rechargeablebattery. The smart bottom rail may optionally contain at least one solarpanel on the window-facing side of the smart bottom rail to providepower for the rechargeable battery of the smart bottom rail. Additionalsensors may optionally be located on the headrail.

The inclusion of buttons directly upon the self-contained,self-regulating intelligent automated motorized window treatment willallow a user in close proximity to the window treatment greater freedomto control the window treatment at the moment a need for adjustment isnoticed without requiring the user to locate a remote control or a smartdevice that may be used to direct the adjustment of the window treatmentfabric and bottom rail position. This convenience will increase theenergy efficiency of the window treatment.

The environmental sensors may provide information that may be used todetermine when the window treatment motor should automatically raise orlower the position of the window treatment fabric and bottom rail withminimal effort from the user. The automatic adjustment of the windowtreatment fabric and bottom rail may allow for a reduction of energyconsumption by the user by decreasing the need for artificial lighting,heating, and air conditioning. The motion sensors may provideinformation regarding occupancy of the room in which the windowtreatment is located. This information may be used to automaticallyadjust the position of the window treatment fabric and bottom railaccording to user preferences. The inertial sensors may provideinformation regarding the movement of the window treatment fabric andbottom rail. This information may be used to automatically stop themovement of the window treatment fabric and bottom rail if either comesinto contact with an object within the path of movement of the windowtreatment fabric or bottom rail.

The inclusion of environmental sensors within the self-contained,self-regulating intelligent automated motorized window treatment is animprovement over the current use of separate external sensors that aredifficult to mount in an ideal location and are an unattractive additionto a window or it's surrounding area.

The smart bottom rail may communicate with the motor by any acceptablecommunication means, including, but not limited to, RF wireless,Bluetooth radio technology, piezoelectric RF technology, printed inkconductive line on the shade fabric, or conductive thread woven in theshade fabric.

In another embodiment of the invention, the headrail further consists ofa solar panel and a rechargeable battery to power the motor, wherein therechargeable battery may be charged by the solar panel. In a furtherembodiment solar power stored in the rechargeable battery of the bottomrail may be transferred to the rechargeable battery of the headrail.

In further embodiments of the above-described embodiments of theinvention, the window treatment will include a charging and/or datatransfer port, such as a universal serial bus (USB) port on the bottomrail and/or the headrail.

In another embodiment of the invention, a self-contained,self-regulating intelligent automated motorized window treatment withincreased energy efficiency is a window treatment consisting of aheadrail, window treatment fabric with one terminus of the windowtreatment fabric affixed to a tube, a smart bottom rail, a rechargeablebattery-powered motor located within the headrail that communicates withthe smart bottom rail attached to the window treatment fabric at theterminus opposite to the headrail terminus, at least one solar panel, asolar powered rechargeable battery, at least one sensor, at least onewireless charging transmitter, and at least one wireless chargingreceiver. The at least one solar cell is located on the window facingside of the bottom rail. Additional solar cells may be located on thewindow facing side of the headrail or on the room facing side of thebottom rail or headrail. The at least one solar cell will be connectedto at least one solar powered rechargeable battery. The at least onesensor is located on the window facing side of the bottom rail.Additional sensors may be located on the window facing side of theheadrail or on the room facing side of the bottom rail or headrail. Theat least one wireless charging transmitter is located in the bottom railand is connected to the solar powered rechargeable battery, and the atleast one wireless charging receiver is located in the headrail and isconnected to the rechargeable battery of the motor.

The smart bottom rail may communicate with the motor by any acceptablecommunication means, including, but not limited to, RF wireless,Bluetooth radio technology, piezoelectric RF technology, printed inkconductive line on the window treatment fabric, or conductive threadwoven in the window treatment fabric.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a self-contained,self-regulating intelligent automated motorized window treatment withincreased energy efficiency described above further has a chargingand/or data transfer port, such as a USB port on the bottom rail and/orthe headrail, and control buttons on the bottom rail and/or theheadrail.

In further embodiments of the above described embodiments of theinvention, the motor may include a wireless communication protocolmeans, such as Bluetooth, which will allow it to communicate directlywith a software application (an app) on a mobile or desktop devicewithout the need of communicating through additional hardware, such as anetwork hub. Alternatively, the communication may involve the use of anetwork hub, and the network hub might include a Global PositioningSystem (GPS) sensor.

The sensors may include, but are not limited to, environmental sensors,such as light sensors, temperature sensors, ultraviolet (UV) lightsensors, and humidity sensors; motion sensors, such as occupancysensors; and inertial sensors, such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, andmagnetometers. The control buttons on the window treatment may include,but are not limited to, buttons for raising and lowering the position ofthe window treatment fabric and smart bottom rail and a button for theoccupant's favorite position of the window treatment fabric and smartbottom rail. These buttons, when located on the smart bottom rail, maycommunicate with the headrail motor through a communication method, suchas RF wireless (Bluetooth Radio technology or piezoelectric RFtechnology), printed ink conductive lines in the window treatmentfabric, or conductive thread woven in the window treatment fabric. Thecontrol buttons may be physical buttons or icons on a touch screen.

In another embodiment of the invention the rechargeable battery in theheadrail may be charged by a wireless power transfer method, such asinductive coupling and/or resonant charging (e.g., Qi or AirFuel), orradio frequency (RF) (e.g., AirFuel RF or WattUp) with power obtainedfrom the solar cells and the charging port. Other methods of powertransfer may include direct contact power transfer when the bottom railcomes into direct contact with the headrail; ambient RF charging;printed ink conductive lines in the fabric of the window treatment; andconductive thread woven in the fabric of the window treatment.

In a further embodiment of the invention, a self-contained,self-regulating intelligent automated motorized window treatment withincreased energy efficiency is a motorized window treatment with theaddition of a smart system unit contained within or affixed to thewindow treatment, wherein the smart system unit communicates with themotor of the motorized window treatment. The smart system unit includes(1) at least one sensor; (2) at least one control button; and (3) atleast one battery that provides power to the sensors and the controlbuttons. In some embodiments the battery may be a rechargeable battery.In further embodiments the smart system unit may contain at least onesolar panel that may be used to charge the rechargeable battery. Thesmart system unit may further include a charging and/or data transferport, such as a USB port. The smart system unit may communicate with themotor by any acceptable communication means, including, but not limitedto, RF wireless, Bluetooth radio technology, piezoelectric RFtechnology, printed ink conductive line on the window treatment fabric,or conductive thread woven in the window treatment fabric.

Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from considerationof the drawings and the ensuing description of preferred embodiments ofthe invention. A person skilled in the art will realize that the otherembodiments of the invention are possible and that the details of theinvention can be modified in a number of respects, all without departingfrom the inventive concept. Thus, the following drawings and descriptionare to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

One embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by way of examplein FIGS. 1-4, which includes a self-contained, self-regulatingintelligent automated motorized window treatment with increased energyefficiency 10. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the window treatment 10 viewed fromthe window facing side. FIGS. 3 and 4 show the window treatment 10viewed from the non-window facing side. The window treatment 10 may beof any suitable size, shape, and type for its application, and consistsof (1) a headrail 12; (2) window treatment fabric 14 with one terminusof the fabric affixed to a tube 16 within the headrail 12 and with thefabric 14 extending from the tube 16 out of the headrail 12; (3) a smartbottom rail 18 attached to the terminus of the window treatment fabric14 furthest from the tube 16; (4) at least one sensor 20; (5) anoptional solar panel 22 in the smart bottom rail 18 and/or in theheadrail 12; (6) a battery 24 located in the smart bottom rail 18,wherein the battery 24 may be a rechargeable battery and may receivecharge from the solar panel 22; and (7) a motor 26 powered by a battery28 located in the headrail 12, wherein the battery 28 may be arechargeable battery and may receive charge from the solar panel 22, andwherein the motor 26 communicates with the smart bottom rail 18. Thesmart bottom rail 18 may communicate with the motor 26 by any acceptablecommunication means, including, but not limited to, RF wireless,Bluetooth radio technology, piezoelectric RF technology, printed inkconductive line on the window treatment fabric, or conductive threadwoven in the window treatment fabric. Additional solar panels 22 may beincluded on the smart bottom rail 18 and on the headrail 12. FIG. 1shows the window treatment 10 with the window treatment fabric 14 andthe smart bottom rail 18 in the fully lowered position. FIG. 2 shows thewindow treatment 10 with the window treatment fabric 14 and the smartbottom rail 18 in the fully raised position.

The sensors 20 may include, but are not limited to, an environmentalsensor, such as a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a UV light sensor,or a humidity sensor; a motion sensor, such as an occupancy sensor; andan inertial sensor, such as an accelerometer a gyroscope, or amagnetometer.

The window treatment 10 may also contain a charging and/or data transferport, such as a USB port 30 in the bottom rail 18 for data transfer andan alternate means of charging the rechargeable battery 24. Anadditional USB port may be located in the headrail 12 (not shown).

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the smart bottom rail 18 may also contain oneor more control buttons 32 that may be used to raise or lower the windowtreatment fabric 14 and the smart bottom rail 18 or to set a favoriteposition. The control buttons may be a physical button or icons on atouch screen. FIG. 3 shows the window treatment 10 with the windowtreatment fabric 14 and the smart bottom rail 18 in the fully raisedposition. FIG. 4 shows the window treatment 10 with the window treatmentfabric 14 and the smart bottom rail 18 in the fully lowered position.

The optional solar panel 22 on the window-facing side of the smartbottom rail 18 may provide power for the battery 24 in the smart bottomrail, which is used to power the sensors 20 and the control buttons 32.

Another embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by way ofexample in FIGS. 5-8, which includes a self-contained, self-regulatingintelligent automated motorized window treatment with increased energyefficiency 10. FIGS. 5 and 6 show the window treatment 10 viewed fromthe window facing side. FIGS. 7 and 8 show the widow treatment 10 viewedfrom the non-window facing side. The window treatment 10 may be of anysuitable size, shape, and type for its application, and consists of (1)a headrail 12; (2) window treatment fabric 14 with one terminus of thefabric affixed to a tube 16 within the headrail 12 and with the fabric14 extending from the tube 16 out of the headrail 12; (3) a smart bottomrail 18 attached to the terminus of the window treatment fabric 14furthest from the tube; (4) at least one sensor 20; (5) at least onesolar panel 22 in the smart bottom rail 18; (6) a rechargeable battery24 located in the smart bottom rail 18; (7) a wireless power transmitter34 located in the smart bottom rail 18; (8) a wireless power receiver 36located in the headrail 12; and (9) a motor 26 powered by a rechargeablebattery 28 located in the headrail 12. The smart bottom rail 18communicates with the motor 26 by any acceptable communication means,including, but not limited to, RF wireless, Bluetooth radio technology,piezoelectric RF technology, printed ink conductive line on the shadefabric, or conductive thread woven in the shade fabric. Solar powerstored in the rechargeable battery 24 of the smart bottom rail 18 istransferred by way of the wireless power transmitter 34 and wirelesspower receiver 36 to the rechargeable battery 28 that powers the motor26 within the headrail 12. Additional solar panels 22 may be included onthe smart bottom rail 18 and on the headrail 12. FIG. 5 shows the windowtreatment 10 with the window treatment fabric 14 and the smart bottomrail 18 in the fully lowered position. FIG. 6 shows the window treatment10 with the window treatment fabric 14 and the smart bottom rail 18 inthe fully raised position.

The sensors 20 may include, but are not limited to, an environmentalsensor, such as a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a UV light sensor,or a humidity sensor; a motion sensor, such as an occupancy sensor; andan inertial sensor, such as an accelerometer a gyroscope, or amagnetometer.

The window treatment 10 may also contain a charging and/or data transferport, such as a USB port 30 for data transfer and an alternate means ofcharging the rechargeable battery 24. The USB port 30 may be located inthe bottom rail 18 (as shown) or the headrail 12 (not shown).

In this embodiment of the window treatment 10 invention, power derivedfrom the solar cell 22 or the USB charging port 30 of the smart bottomrail 18 is stored in the rechargeable battery 24 of the smart bottomrail 18 until it is wirelessly transferred from the wireless powertransmitter 34 to the wireless power receiver 36 by way of a wirelesspower transfer method, such as inductive coupling, resonant charging orRF, where it is able to charge the rechargeable battery 28 of theheadrail 12 to power the motor 26.

As shown in FIGS. 7 and 8, the smart bottom rail 18 may also contain oneor more control buttons 32 that may be used to raise or lower the windowtreatment fabric 14 and the smart bottom rail 18 or to set a favoriteposition. The control buttons may be a physical button or an icon on atouch screen. FIG. 7 shows the window treatment 10 with the windowtreatment fabric 14 and the smart bottom rail 18 in the fully raisedposition. FIG. 8 shows the window treatment 10 with the window treatmentfabric 14 and the smart bottom rail 18 in the fully lowered position.

The solar panel 22 on the window-facing side of the smart bottom rail 18provides power for the rechargeable battery 24 in the smart bottom rail,which is also used to power the sensors 20 and the control buttons.

FIG. 9 shows another embodiment of a self-contained, self-regulatingintelligent automated motorized window treatment with increased energyefficiency 10 invention, where power derived from the solar cell 22 orthe USB charging port 30 of the smart bottom rail 18 is stored in therechargeable battery 24 of the bottom rail 18 until it is transferred tothe rechargeable battery 28 of the headrail 12 to power the motor 26, byway of printed ink conductive lines 38 printed onto the window treatmentfabric 14.

FIG. 10 shows another embodiment of a self-contained, self-regulatingintelligent automated motorized window treatment with increased energyefficiency 10 invention, where power derived from the solar cell 22 orthe USB charging port 30 of the smart bottom rail 18 is stored in therechargeable battery 24 of the smart bottom rail 18 until it istransferred to the rechargeable battery 28 of the headrail 12 to powerthe motor 26, by way of conductive thread 40 woven into the windowtreatment fabric 14.

FIGS. 11-18 show another embodiment of a self-contained, self-regulatingintelligent automated motorized window treatment with increased energyefficiency 10 invention, wherein the window treatment 10 is a smartsystem unit 42 that can be fitted into a motorized window treatment 44within an opening 46 in a bottom rail 48 or headrail 50 of the motorizedwindow treatment 44. FIG. 11 shows the window facing side of the smartsystem unit 42. FIG. 12 shows the non-window facing side of the smartsystem unit 42. FIG. 13 shows the window facing side of the smart systemunit 42 and the window facing side of a window treatment 44 that thesmart system unit 42 is to be inserted into. The headrail 50 and windowtreatment fabric 51 are also shown. FIG. 14 shows the window facing sideof the window treatment 44 with the smart system unit 42 inserted withinthe bottom rail 48 of the treatment 44. The headrail 50 and a portion ofthe window treatment fabric 51 are also shown. The smart system unit 42consists of (1) at least one sensor 52; (2) at least one control button54; (3) an optional solar panel 56; and (4) at least one battery 58 thatmay be rechargeable and that may be charged by the solar panels 56 andthat provides power to the sensors 52 and the control buttons 54. Thesmart system unit may further include a charging and/or data transferport, such as a USB port 60. The smart system unit 42 communicates withthe motorized window treatment 44 by any acceptable communication means,including, but not limited to, RF wireless, Bluetooth radio technology,piezoelectric RF technology, printed ink conductive line on the shadefabric, or conductive thread woven in the shade fabric. FIG. 15 throughFIG. 18 shows another means for fitting the smart system unit 42 withinthe opening 46 in the bottom rail 48. FIG. 15 and FIG. 16 show the smartsystem unit 42 separate from the bottom rail 48, with the unassembledbottom rail 48 broken into the window-facing side 48 a, the non-windowfacing side 48 b, and the end caps 48 c. FIG. 17 shows the non-windowfacing side of the assembled bottom rail 48 containing the smart systemunit 42 and an optional electronic display screen 61. The windowtreatment fabric 51 is also shown. FIG. 18 shows the window facing sideof the assembled rail 48 containing the smart system unit 42. The windowtreatment fabric 51 is also shown.

FIGS. 19-22 show another embodiment of a self-contained, self-regulatingintelligent automated motorized window treatment with increased energyefficiency 10 invention, wherein the window treatment 10 is a smartsystem unit 62 that can be affixed to the surface of a motorized windowtreatment 64 on the bottom rail 66 or the headrail 68 of the motorizedwindow treatment 64. FIG. 19 shows the window facing side of the smartsystem unit 62. FIG. 20 shows the non-window facing of the smart systemunit 62. FIG. 21 shows the window facing side of the smart system unit62 and the window facing side of a window treatment 64 that the smartsystem unit 62 is to be affixed to. The headrail 68 and window treatmentfabric 69 are also shown. FIG. 22 shows the window facing side of thewindow treatment 64 with the smart system unit 62 affixed to the bottomrail 66 of the window treatment 64. The headrail 68 and window treatmentfabric 69 are also shown. The smart system unit 62 consists of (1) atleast one sensor 70; (2) at least one control button 72; (3) at leastone solar panel 74; and (4) at least one battery 76 that may berechargeable and that may be charged by the solar panels 74 and thatprovides power to the sensors 70 and the control buttons 72. The smartsystem unit may further include a charging and/or data transfer port,such as a USB port 78. The smart system unit 62 communicates with themotorized window treatment 64 by any acceptable communication means,including, but not limited to, RF wireless, Bluetooth radio technology,piezoelectric RF technology, printed ink conductive line on the shadefabric, or conductive thread woven in the window treatment fabric.

FIG. 23 is a simplified flowchart of the procedure that an embodiment ofthe self-contained, self-regulating intelligent automated motorizedwindow treatment with increased energy efficiency 10 may follow afterreceiving input from a temperature environmental sensor 20.

FIG. 24 is a simplified flowchart of the procedure that an embodiment ofthe self-contained, self-regulating intelligent automated motorizedwindow treatment with increased energy efficiency 10 may follow whenwirelessly transferring solar power collected by the solar panel 22 inthe bottom rail 18 to the motor 26 in the headrail 12.

FIG. 25 is a simplified flowchart of the procedure that an embodiment ofthe self-contained, self-regulating intelligent automated motorizedwindow treatment with increased energy efficiency 10 may follow afterreceiving input from a motion sensor 20.

FIG. 26 is a simplified flowchart of the procedure that an embodiment ofthe self-contained, self-regulating intelligent automated motorizedwindow treatment with increased energy efficiency 10 may follow afterreceiving input from an inertial sensor 20.

While particular embodiments of the present invention have beendisclosed, it is to be understood that various different modificationsare possible and are contemplated within the true spirit and scope ofthe appended claims. There is no intention, therefore, of limitations tothe exact abstract or disclosure herein presented.

What is claimed:
 1. A self-contained, self-regulating intelligentautomated window treatment comprising: a headrail with a tube and amotor; window treatment fabric affixed to the tube; and a smart bottomrail attached to the terminus of the window treatment fabric furthestfrom the tube with the smart bottom rail containing at least one sensor,at least one control button, and a battery that provides power to the atleast one sensor and at least one control button; wherein the smartbottom rail communicates with the motor in the headrail.
 2. The windowtreatment of claim 1, wherein the smart bottom rail communicates withthe motor by way of a communication means selected from the groupconsisting of RF wireless, Bluetooth radio technology, piezoelectric RFtechnology, printed ink conductive line on the window treatment fabric,or conductive thread woven in the window treatment fabric.
 3. The windowtreatment of claim 1, wherein the at least one control button isselected from the group consisting of a button to raise the windowtreatment fabric and smart bottom rail of the window treatment, a buttonto lower the window treatment fabric and smart bottom rail of the windowtreatment, and a button for the user's favorite position of the windowtreatment fabric and smart bottom rail of the window treatment.
 4. Thewindow treatment of claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is selectedfrom the group consisting of an environmental sensor, a motion sensor,and an inertial sensor.
 5. The window treatment of claim 4, wherein theenvironmental sensor is selected from the group consisting of a lightsensor, a temperature sensor, a UV light sensor, and a humidity sensor.6. The window treatment of claim 4, wherein the motion sensor is anoccupancy sensor.
 7. The window treatment of claim 4, wherein theinertial sensor is selected from the group consisting of anaccelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer.
 8. The window treatmentof claim 1, wherein the headrail contains at least one sensor, whereinthe sensor is selected from the group consisting of an environmentalsensor, a motion sensor, and an inertial sensor.
 9. The window treatmentof claim 8, wherein the environmental sensor is selected from the groupconsisting of a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a UV light sensor,and a humidity sensor.
 10. The window treatment of claim 8, wherein themotion sensor is an occupancy sensor.
 11. The window treatment of claim8, wherein the inertial sensor is selected from the group consisting ofan accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer.
 12. The windowtreatment of claim 1, wherein the battery in the smart bottom rail is arechargeable battery.
 13. The window treatment of claim 12, wherein thesmart bottom rail further contains at least one solar panel thatprovides charge to the smart bottom rail rechargeable battery.
 14. Thewindow treatment of claim 12, wherein the smart bottom rail furthercomprises at least one charging port for charging the smart bottom railrechargeable battery.
 15. The window treatment of claim 14, wherein thecharging port is a universal serial bus (USB) charging port.
 16. Thewindow treatment of claim 1, wherein the headrail further comprises arechargeable battery to provide power to the motor.
 17. The windowtreatment of claim 16, wherein the headrail further comprises a solarpanel to provide power to the rechargeable battery.
 18. The windowtreatment of claim 16, wherein the headrail further comprises a chargingport for charging the headrail rechargeable battery.
 19. The windowtreatment of claim 18, wherein the charging port is a universal serialbus (USB) charging port.
 20. The window treatment of claim 1, whereinthe smart bottom rail further comprises at least one data transfer port.21. The window treatment of claim 20, wherein the data transfer port isa universal serial bus (USB) charging port.
 22. The window treatment ofclaim 1, wherein the window treatment can be operated and monitored byway of an associated software application on a mobile or desktop device.23. The window treatment of claim 22, wherein the motor will include awireless communication protocol means to allow it to communicatedirectly with the software application.
 24. The window treatment ofclaim 23 wherein the wireless communication protocol is Bluetooth.
 25. Aself-contained, self-regulating intelligent automated window treatmentcomprising: a headrail; window treatment fabric affixed to a tube andlocated within the headrail; a smart bottom rail attached to theterminus of the window treatment fabric furthest from the tube; at leastone sensor; at least one solar panel on the smart bottom rail; arechargeable battery located in the smart bottom rail; a wirelesscharging transmitter located in the smart bottom rail; a wirelesscharging receiver located in the headrail; and a rechargeablebattery-powered motor located in the headrail; wherein power stored inthe rechargeable battery of the bottom rail is transferred by way of thewireless charging transmitter and wireless charging receiver to therechargeable battery-powered motor of the headrail.
 26. The windowtreatment of claim 25, wherein the at least one solar panel is locatedon the smart bottom rail, the headrail, or both the smart bottom railand the headrail.
 27. The window treatment of claim 26, wherein the atleast one solar panel located on the smart bottom rail will charge therechargeable battery.
 28. The window treatment of claim 26, wherein theat least one solar panel located on the headrail will charge therechargeable battery-powered motor.
 29. The window treatment of claim25, wherein the window treatment further comprises a charging portlocated in the smart bottom rail for charging the rechargeable battery.30. The window treatment of claim 29, wherein the charging port is auniversal serial bus (USB) charging port.
 31. The window treatment ofclaim 25, wherein the window treatment further comprises a charging portlocated in the headrail for charging the rechargeable battery-poweredmotor.
 32. The window treatment of claim 31, wherein the charging portis a universal serial bus (USB) charging port.
 33. The window treatmentof claim 25, wherein the smart bottom rail further comprises at leastone data transfer port.
 34. The window treatment of claim 33, whereinthe data transfer port is a universal serial bus (USB) charging port.35. The window treatment of claim 25, wherein the at least one sensor islocated on the smart bottom rail, the headrail, or both the smart bottomrail and the headrail.
 36. The window treatment of claim 35, wherein theat least one sensor is selected from the group consisting of anenvironmental sensor, a motion sensor, and an inertial sensor.
 37. Thewindow treatment of claim 36, wherein the environmental sensor isselected from the group consisting of a light sensor, a temperaturesensor, a UV light sensor, and a humidity sensor.
 38. The windowtreatment of claim 36, wherein the motion sensor is an occupancy sensor.39. The window treatment of claim 36, wherein the inertial sensor isselected from the group consisting of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, anda magnetometer.
 40. The window treatment of claim 25, wherein the smartbottom communicates with the motor.
 41. The window treatment of claim40, wherein the smart bottom rail communicates with the motor by way ofa communication means selected from the group consisting of RF wireless,printed ink conductive line on the window treatment fabric, andconductive thread woven in the window treatment fabric.
 42. The windowtreatment of claim 25, wherein the smart bottom rail contains at leastone control button.
 43. The window treatment of claim 42, wherein the atleast one control button is selected from the group consisting of abutton to raise the window treatment fabric and smart bottom rail of thewindow treatment, a button to lower the window treatment fabric andsmart bottom rail of the window treatment, and a button for the user'sfavorite position of the window treatment fabric and smart bottom railof the window treatment.
 44. The window treatment of claim 25, whereinthe window treatment can be operated and monitored by way of anassociated software application on a mobile or desktop device.
 45. Thewindow treatment of claim 44, wherein the motor includes a wirelesscommunication protocol means to allow it to communicate directly withthe software application.
 46. The window treatment of claim 45, whereinthe wireless communication protocol is Bluetooth.
 47. The windowtreatment of claim 25, wherein the wireless power transfer between thewireless charging transmitter and wireless charging receiver istransferred by inductive coupling, resonant charging, radio frequency(RF), or any combination thereof.
 48. A self-contained, self-regulatingintelligent automated window treatment comprising: a headrail; windowtreatment fabric affixed to a tube and located within the headrail; asmart bottom rail attached to the terminus of the window treatmentfabric furthest from the tube; at least one sensor; at least one solarpanel on the smart bottom rail; a rechargeable battery located in thesmart bottom rail; a power transfer means; a rechargeablebattery-powered motor located in the headrail; wherein power stored inthe rechargeable battery of the smart bottom rail is transferred by wayof the power transfer means to the rechargeable battery-powered motor ofthe headrail.
 49. The window treatment of claim 48, wherein the powertransfer means may be inductive coupling, resonant charging, radiofrequency, printed ink conductive lines applied to the window treatmentfabric, conductive thread woven into the window treatment fabric, or anycombination thereof.
 50. The window treatment of claim 48, wherein thewindow treatment further comprises at least one solar panel located onthe headrail.
 51. The window treatment of claim 48, wherein the at leastone solar panel located on the smart bottom rail will charge therechargeable battery of the smart bottom rail.
 52. The window treatmentof claim 50, wherein the at least one solar panel located on theheadrail will charge the rechargeable battery-powered motor.
 53. Thewindow treatment of claim 48, wherein the window treatment furthercomprises a charging port located in the smart bottom rail for chargingthe rechargeable battery.
 54. The window treatment of claim 53, whereinthe charging port is a universal serial bus (USB) charging port.
 55. Thewindow treatment of claim 48, wherein the window treatment furthercomprises a charging port located in the headrail for charging therechargeable battery-powered motor.
 56. The window treatment of claim55, wherein the charging port is a universal serial bus (USB) chargingport.
 57. The window treatment of claim 48, wherein the window treatmentfurther comprises a data transfer port located in the smart bottom rail.58. The window treatment of claim 57, wherein the data transfer port isa universal serial bus (USB) charging port.
 59. The window treatment ofclaim 48, wherein the at least one sensor is located on the smart bottomrail, the headrail, or both the smart bottom rail and the headrail. 60.The window treatment of claim 59, wherein the at least one sensor isselected from the group consisting of an environmental sensor, a motionsensor, and an inertial sensor.
 61. The window treatment of claim 60,wherein the environmental sensor is selected from the group consistingof a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a UV light sensor, and ahumidity sensor.
 62. The window treatment of claim 60, wherein themotion sensor is an occupancy sensor.
 63. The window treatment of claim60, wherein the inertial sensor is selected from the group consisting ofan accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer.
 64. The windowtreatment of claim 48, wherein the smart bottom rail communicates withthe motor.
 65. The window treatment of claim 64, wherein the smartbottom rail will communicate with the motor by way of a communicationmeans selected from the group consisting of RF wireless, printed inkconductive line on the window treatment fabric, or conductive threadwoven in the window treatment fabric.
 66. The window treatment of claim48, where the smart bottom rail contains at least one control button.67. The window treatment of claim 66, wherein the at least one controlbutton is selected from the group consisting of a button to raise thewindow treatment fabric and smart bottom rail of the window treatment, abutton to lower the window treatment fabric and smart bottom rail of thewindow treatment, and a button for the user's favorite position for thewindow treatment fabric and smart bottom rail of the window treatment.68. The window treatment of claim 48, wherein the window treatment canbe operated and monitored by way of an associated software applicationon a mobile or desktop device.
 69. The window treatment of claim 68,wherein the motor will include a wireless communication protocol meansto allow it to communicate directly with the software application. 70.The window treatment of claim 69, wherein the wireless communicationprotocol is Bluetooth.
 71. A method for decreasing energy consumption ina building by using a self-contained, self-regulating intelligentautomated window treatment comprising: detecting the temperature of thebuilding near a window of the building by one or more temperaturesensors located on the window treatment; automatically determiningwhether the temperature near the window is above, below or equal to auser set comfort temperature; and automatically adjusting the windowtreatment fabric and smart bottom rail of the window treatment to aposition that will optimize the temperature near the window byincreasing or decreasing the amount of heat penetrating the window intothe building to allow for the user to decrease reliance on artificialheating and air conditioning of the building to keep the building at theuser's comfort temperature.
 72. A self-contained, self-regulatingintelligent automated window treatment comprising: a motorized windowtreatment, wherein the motorized window treatment is comprised of aheadrail with a tube and a motor, window treatment fabric affixed to thetube, and a bottom rail attached to the terminus of the window treatmentfabric furthest from the tube; and a smart system unit, wherein thesmart system unit contains at least one sensor, at least one controlbutton, and at least one battery that provides power to the at least onesensor and the at least one control button; wherein the smart systemunit communicates with the motor of the motorized window treatment. 73.The window treatment of claim 72, wherein the smart system unit iswithin an opening in the bottom rail of the motorized window treatment.74. The window treatment of claim 72, wherein the smart system unit isaffixed to the bottom rail of the motorized window treatment.
 75. Thewindow treatment of claim 72, wherein the smart system unit communicateswith the motor by way of a communication means selected from the groupconsisting of RF wireless, Bluetooth radio technology, piezoelectric RFtechnology, printed ink conductive line on the window treatment fabric,or conductive thread woven in the window treatment fabric.
 76. Thewindow treatment of claim 72, wherein the at least one control button isselected from the group consisting of a button to raise the windowtreatment fabric and smart bottom rail of the window treatment, a buttonto lower the window treatment fabric and smart bottom rail of the windowtreatment, and a button for the user's favorite position of the windowtreatment fabric and smart bottom rail of the window treatment.
 77. Thewindow treatment of claim 72, wherein the at least one sensor isselected from the group consisting of an environmental sensor, a motionsensor, and an inertial sensor.
 78. The window treatment of claim 77,wherein the environmental sensor is selected from the group consistingof a light sensor, a temperature sensor, a UV light sensor, and ahumidity sensor.
 79. The window treatment of claim 77, wherein themotion sensor is an occupancy sensor.
 80. The window treatment of claim76, wherein the inertial sensor is selected from the group consisting ofan accelerometer, a gyroscope, and a magnetometer.
 81. The windowtreatment of claim 72, wherein the headrail contains at least onesensor, wherein the sensor is selected from the group consisting of anenvironmental sensor, a motion sensor, and an inertial sensor.
 82. Thewindow treatment of claim 81, wherein the environmental sensor isselected from the group consisting of a light sensor, a temperaturesensor, a UV light sensor, and a humidity sensor.
 83. The windowtreatment of claim 81, wherein the motion sensor is an occupancy sensor.84. The window treatment of claim 81, wherein the inertial sensor isselected from the group consisting of an accelerometer, a gyroscope, anda magnetometer.
 85. The window treatment of claim 72, wherein thebattery in the smart system unit is a rechargeable battery.
 86. Thewindow treatment of claim 85, wherein the smart system unit furthercontains at least one solar panel, and that solar panel provides chargeto the smart system unit rechargeable battery.
 87. The window treatmentof claim 85, wherein the smart system unit further comprises at leastone charging port for charging the smart system unit rechargeablebattery.
 88. The window treatment of claim 87, wherein the charging portis a universal serial bus (USB) charging port.
 89. The window treatmentof claim 72, wherein the headrail further comprises a rechargeablebattery to provide power to the motor.
 90. The window treatment of claim89, wherein the headrail further comprises a solar panel to providepower to the rechargeable battery.
 91. The window treatment of claim 89,wherein the headrail further comprises a charging port for charging theheadrail rechargeable battery.
 92. The window treatment of claim 91,wherein the charging port is a universal serial bus (USB) charging port.93. The window treatment of claim 72, wherein the smart system unitfurther comprises at least one data transfer port.
 94. The windowtreatment of claim 93, wherein the data transfer port is a universalserial bus (USB) charging port.
 95. The window treatment of claim 72,wherein the window treatment can be operated and monitored by way of anassociated software application on a mobile or desktop device.
 96. Thewindow treatment of claim 95, wherein the motor will include a wirelesscommunication protocol means to allow it to communicate directly withthe software application.
 97. The window treatment of claim 96 whereinthe wireless communication protocol is Bluetooth.